Heat Pumps - Feeling my way

[The Solar King]

Just back from a Logic Certification Heat Pump course. Quite informative. Whilst I really like the concept of ground source, its complexity and cost started to do my head in. I would rate the course as OK, but not excellent.

Most depressing element was a number of neanderthals on the course who seemed to be looking for the next big thing to cash in on. Felt they could 'wing it' on the course. God help anybody who ever becomes their customer.

From the experience of those already in this field, what would be your recommendation in terms of ASHP? Plenty of offerings out there. Being Scotland where we have lots of off grid, there is an opportunity. The down side is lower average ambient temperatures in the heating season.

Good to know your thoughts.

 

[jason121]

Panasonic TCAP for those extra low temperatures are a good choice. Built in pump and flow sensors. Only down side all electrical connections are in the heat pump. I wait for the others to post there choice

 

[solarsavings]

Tcaps are nicely built but I prefer the samsungs.

 

[jason121]

I agree, but Scotland can get cold and the Panasonic will work at -15 and still maintain the output that's its rated at

 

[solarsavings]

So they told me on the course........................

 

[The Solar King]

It's what they don't tell you. That is why the forum is so important. It is also recognising what they don't tell you. It is what you learn and what you do afterwards.

i have to say this is one course where I did not know more than the instructor which was refreshing. If you have widespread knowledge, training courses can be frustrating.

 

[Worcester]

The challenge with ASHP's is to get the heat load power requirement low enough. I would reckon Scotland a better opportunity for biomass than ASHP's.

GSHP's have the advantage they don't care what the Air temperature (today) is.

The Pansonic TCaps are on the RHI eligibility list, just need to remember to keep the flow temperature down to maintain the SPF/CoP so good for the lower outdoor temperatures.

Some of the other split units also have a flat 'curve' below 2° and more will be appearing later this year as the Panasonic method is a generic solution (although they have a few patents, the others can get round that) that has been used in Air-con for a while, just not in ASHP's.

 

[Gavin A]

i thought the mitsi ecodan units had been doing the same thing for years? basically increasing fan speed and compressor power at lower temps to maintain the heat output.

 

[Worcester]

The TCap is a single compressor with a hot gas recirculation process to preheat the returning fluids so achieves a higher temperature in the gas to achieved higher water outputs.